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Bioremediation potential of low-brominated polybrominated diphenyl by the phyllospheric Wickerhamomyces anomalus

Summary

Researchers discovered that a common yeast living on tree leaves can help remove harmful brominated chemicals (PBDEs) from the environment. By studying the genes this yeast uses to survive these toxic chemicals, scientists identified a key transport protein that could help plants better tolerate and accumulate these pollutants. This finding suggests that this yeast could be used as a biological tool to clean up areas contaminated with these persistent toxic chemicals.

Background

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants with significant environmental and health concerns. Phyllospheric microorganisms have shown potential in environmental bioremediation, but their mechanisms for detoxifying PBDEs remain poorly understood. Wickerhamomyces anomalus is a phyllospheric yeast that has demonstrated capability in tolerating BDE-3 stress.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the molecular detoxification mechanisms of phyllospheric Wickerhamomyces anomalus against 4-monobrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-3) using transcriptome analysis. The research focused on characterizing differentially expressed genes and candidate ABC transporter genes for potential application in plant stress tolerance.

Results

Transcriptome analysis identified 3,063 differentially expressed genes classified into four detoxification clusters: cell-wall binding, complexation, vacuolar sequestration, and efflux. Nine ABC transporter genes showed significant differential expression with BDE-3 stress. Overexpressing WICANDRAFT_64792 in tobacco enhanced BDE-3 uptake, increased photosynthetic rates, and promoted BDE-3 accumulation in vacuoles and cytoplasm.

Conclusion

The ABC transporter gene WICANDRAFT_64792 from phyllospheric yeast plays a critical role in BDE-3 detoxification through vacuolar sequestration. The identified detoxification genes and pathways provide valuable candidates for improving plant stress tolerance and developing phytoremediation strategies for PBDE contamination.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1606962; PMID: 40718027
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